President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Rose Garden at the White House to declare a national emergency in order to build a wall along the southern border, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Trump calls out Jussie Smollett after 'Empire' actor's arrest

The 'Empire' actor had claimed two men attacked him, hurled racist and anti-gay slurs at him and yelled 'This is MAGA country.' Chicago Police say they believe he faked the attack.

Author:
Tegna

Published:
10:33 AM CST February 21, 2019

Updated:
10:33 AM CST February 21, 2019

After authorities revealed Thursday that they believe "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett faked a racist and homophobic attack on himself to "promote his career," President Donald Trump called out the actor.

Smollett, who plays a gay character on the hit Fox television show, claimed he was attacked in late January as he was walking home. Smollett had said two men attacked him and hurled racist and anti-gay slurs at him, then looped a rope around his neck. He also had said the men yelled "This is MAGA country" — an apparent reference to President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again" — before fleeing.

After Smollett was charged with making a false police report, Trump tweeted at Smollett and asked "what about MAGA and the tens of millions of people you insulted with your racist and dangerous comments!?"

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a press conference that Smollett owes the city an apology. He added that justice would be for the 36-year-old actor to apologize, admit what he did and "then be man enough to offer what he should offer up in terms of all the resources that were put into this."